System architecture for a power distribution network and method of operation

Abstract

Digital and analog functionality are separated and optimized in an Ethernet port architecture to free port circuit space for additional desired functionality. A power controller and physical link controller for the port share a high speed communication link to transfer information and control instructions from one to the other. The physical link controller provides digital functionality and processing capabilities that can generate power control instructions sent to the power controller over the high speed link. The power controller provides analog functionality for controlling the power supplied to the network connection and transfers power related information to the physical link controller over the high speed communication link and receives control instructions through a digital interface. The separation of digital of analog functionality simplifies the power control circuitry, removes redundancy, and frees valuable circuit board space for other desired functionality.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] N / A STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] N / A BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates generally to a system architecture for a power distribution network and a method of operating the architecture. The present invention relates more specifically to a transceiver and control circuit architecture for power over Ethernet and a method for providing and operating the architecture. [0005] 2. Description of Related Art [0006] The development of sophisticated networks for transferring information has driven a number of technologies including the provision of power over network connections. For example, a network connected device for transferring information over the network may receive power from the network so that alternate power sources for the devices are not necessary. A typical advantage associated with providing power over a network is that a user ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] According to an advantage of the present invention, the power controller includes analog to digital converters (ADCs) and digital to analog converters (DACs) that transform analog information into digital form and vice versa, which can be transferred over the high speed link. The power controller may maintain a minimal set of registers for storing digital information for use with the high speed link to the PHY controller. In addition, the registers can be two-way, dual access or dual ported to permit the power controller to send and receive information to and from the PHY controller, respectively. Alternately, or in addition the PHY controller may include ADCs and DACs, and the high speed link can be analog in nature.

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, a POE port module can have greater functionality and be manufactured less expensively when the analog portions are simplified to remove digital circuitry and functionality. For example, the power control circuitry, or power PCB, can be more easily manufactured when there is less digital circuitry or less functionality to be included in the power controller.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the PHY controller handles control functions for the POE power controller including response to transient conditions. For example, the PHY controller provides functionality for detecting and responding to over current conditions, under voltage or over voltage conditions and other responses related to feedback sensing and control. The PHY controller can also be used to implement sophisticated algorithms for managing network power in both the PSE and PD components of the network.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a complimentary PHY and power controller chip set or integrated circuit board can be provided that is simplified and has reduced costs. The simplified and less expensive solution can be more easily implemented in the devices attached to the network, whether the devices are receiving power or supplying power in the POE power distribution system.

Problems solved by technology

Accordingly, the port connector module has extremely limited space for additional functionality that would be desired for the realization of a number of POE or other applications, for example.

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